How is hyaluronic acid produced?

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide or carbohydrate naturally present in the body. In the dermis, it makes up the extracellular matrix and ensures the hydration of this deep layer of the skin. It possesses numerous virtues:

• Natural Antioxidant: It protects the skin from pollution and harmful sun rays;

• Potent moisturiser: It promotes tissue cohesion and maintains their hydration;

• Plumping: It fills in wrinkles and fine lines, while improving the skin's elasticity.

Regrettably, as we age, the production of hyaluronic acid gradually decreases, by approximately 6% each decade. Hence, the importance of supplementing the body with it, either through injections or less invasively through skincare treatments. Hyaluronic acid is a cosmetic active ingredient that is very well tolerated by the skin and presents no danger when applied topically.

The first hyaluronic acid-based skincare made its debut in the 1970s. At that time, this active ingredient was of animal origin: it was extracted from rooster combs following a chemical treatment, grinding, and purification process. Today, due to ethical considerations and in order to comply with regulations, the microbial production of hyaluronic acid has replaced its extraction from animal sources. The rise and development of biotechnologies have made the bacterial fermentation processes of hyaluronic acid economically viable, thus promoting its use in cosmetics.

Hyaluronic acid can therefore be obtained through a fermentation process from plant material such as wheat, corn or soybeans that contain this molecule. Wheat grains are fermented with a lactic bacterium, followed by a series of solvent-free purification steps to achieve a pure and high-quality final product. Finally, it is dehydrated to produce a powder. When mixed with water, it forms a more or less textured gel. At Typology, the hyaluronic acid present in the products is of plant origin; it isderived from the fermentation of wheat.

Typology has incorporated hyaluronic acid into numerous products intended for the face and body:

• In order to remove impurities without drying out the skin, the moisturising cleansing milk contains 0.5% ofhyaluronic acid combined with chamomile extract.It includes a base of gentle, biodegradable surfactants of natural origin that create a delicate foam to cleanse the skin while respecting its balance. It is applied to damp skin in the morning and/or evening, directly with the fingers. The milk emulsifies upon contact with water into a fine foam, facilitating the rinsing stage.

• To enhance the makeup removal process, the hydrating toner formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera regulates the skin's pH, hydrates, and soothes it.

• To plump the skin and prevent or reduce wrinkles, apply 3 to 4 drops of our plumping serum with 3% hyaluronic acid daily, morning and evening on clean, dry face.

• In order to diminish the appearance of dehydration fine lines, restore suppleness and tone to the skin, reduce feelings of tightness and hydrate your skin, opt for the nourishing face cream formulated with shea butter and 1% hyaluronic acid.

• Minimalist and fragrance-free, the face moisturising cream with 9 ingredients hydrates the epidermis. Its light and non-greasy texture is suitable for dry, normal and combination skin, even sensitive ones.

• The face sunscreen is enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to deeply hydrate the skin, while protecting it from the sun's UV rays.

• In the case of dehydrated hands, the hand balm with 10 ingredients is enriched with hyaluronic acid and helps to soften the skin. Apply a small amount of the moisturising balm morning and evening on the hands and massage until fully absorbed by the skin. Repeat the application in case of dryness and tightness sensation.

• To care for your lips, we offer you a restorative lip mask. It forms a protective film on the lips, thus limiting the evaporation of water and helping to rehydrate and repair damaged lips. Enriched with mango butter, this mask melts onto the lips and leaves a feeling of softness. Also included in its formula are ceramides, which have a lipid-replenishing action, and hyaluronic acid, which is highly moisturising.

• GEMEINER R. & al. Hyaluronic acid: a natural biopolymer with a wide array of biomedical and industrial applications. Biotechnology Letters (2007).

• SANTANA M.H.A. & co. Microbial production of hyaluronic acid from derivatives of agricultural resources. Bioresource Technology (2010).